SIBU: Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIGP), Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, has unexpectedly stolen the spotlight on social media, not for a major police operation, but for his skill in flipping roti canai.
This morning, a two-minute-13-second video, showing the country’s No. 2 cop casually working the griddle, was uploaded on his official Facebook page and has since gone viral.
By 3:30 pm, the video had racked up more than 718,000 views, over 32,000 likes, more than 3,500 comments and 1,500 shares on Facebook.
On a two-day getaway with his wife, Puan Sri Datuk Zalena Mohd Ariffin, Ayob Khan said they had stopped for roti canai at Curry House near Sibu Bus Terminal.
After watching how the dish was being made, he decided to take matters into his own hands and stepped behind the counter to flip seven pieces of roti canai – enough for him and his wife to enjoy.
With a smile, he quipped that it was good practice for him as he edged closer to retirement.
“Every now and then you have to hone your talents. I’m about to retire,” the 59-year-old said in the post.
The sight of a top-ranking police officer showing off his humble side delighted netizens, who praised his down-to-earth personality and even wished they could taste the roti canai that he made.
One Facebook user, Muhammad Redhuan, wrote: “Perahu sudah di air, cuma tunggu hujan turun yer Dato? Dah boleh set up restoran lepas bersara nanti, ‘Ayob Khan Curry House’.” (The boat is already in the water, just waiting for the rain, Datuk? You can open a restaurant after retirement – ‘Ayob Khan Curry House’.)
Mohd Harussani Sanemcity added: “Mantap la. Bila dah pencen buka bisnes jual roti canai. Confirm laku keras Dato. Semoga diberi kesihatan yang baik.” (Excellent. After retirement, open a roti canai business. It will surely be a hit, Datuk. Wishing you good health.)
Rozimi Ali echoed the same sentiment: “Skill dah ada, kalau buka restoran, ini pasti laku giler.” (You’ve got the skills, if you open a restaurant, it’ll definitely go crazy successful.)
Meanwhile, some users hoped to see Ayob Khan rise to the top post before retiring.
Ahmad Fadzli commented: “Jangan pencen dulu Dato. Naik IGP dulu.” (Don’t retire yet, Datuk. Become IGP first.)
Another user, Dj-din Muar, said: “Jangan pencen awal Dato. Secara jujurnya, teringin nak tengok Dato jadi IGP. Tak sabar nak tunggu keadilan dari Dato. Salah satu polis yang berpangkat tinggi yang selalu menyebut Islam dan Allah dalam ucapannya.” (Don’t retire early, Datuk. Honestly, I want to see you as IGP. I can’t wait for justice from you. You’re one of the high-ranking officers who often mentions Islam and Allah in your speeches.)
Korie Syada also wrote: “Jangan pencen dulu Dato Seri. Insha-Allah, Dato Seri akan naik IGP. Ini yang rakyat Malaysia mahu dan harapkan. Setahun dua pun jadi la. Ayuh rakyat Malaysia, sama-sama doakan.” (Don’t retire yet, Datuk Seri. God-willing, you’ll become IGP. This is what Malaysians want and hope for. Even just a year or two will do. Let’s all pray together.)
From praise for his culinary flair to calls for him to rise as the next IGP, the viral video has turned Ayob Khan into an unlikely roti canai star.
